<p>Prithviraj Sukumaran’s ‘L2: Empuraan’, sequel to the blockbuster ‘Lucifer’ (2019), has been Malayalam cinema’s most anticipated film of 2025, especially after actor Mohanlal’s films have all been either financial failures or forgettable in nature.</p>.<p>‘Empuraan’ looks like a patchwork of three to four films loosely stitched together. Moreover, the characters lack emotional depth that Murali Gopi, the writer, had created in ‘Lucifer’.</p>.<p>It is focused so much on style and the god-like aura of Khureshi Abr’am (Mohanlal), that it puts very little effort into developing relatable characters.</p>.<p>Mohanlal has little to do in the film as it is busy trying to introduce multiple underdeveloped storylines and characters. The film is also too slow for a commercial film; so much that it feels like an underworld drama, but with little substance.</p>.<p>However, on the bright side, the movie makes bold political statements. At at a time when filmmakers are scared of being even remotely political, ‘Empuraan’ shows no reluctance to discuss subjects like the Godhra riots, the growing influence of rightwing groups in Kerala’s politics, and the failing political strategies of both the ruling and the opposition parties of Kerala.</p>.<p>The film showcases two strong female characters — Priyadarshini Ramdas (Manju Warrier) as the protagonist and Andrea Tivadar as Michelle, a brave British soldier whose mission is to eliminate Khureshi’s international mercenary group.</p>.<p>The film’s cinematography is top-notch. Action sequences leave you satisfied without an overdose of CGI. The world-building is also smoothly done and is better than in most cinematic universes created by south Indian industries. However, Lokesh Kanakaraj’s universe still rules. </p>.<p>Overall, the movie is a one-time watch for people who like mass commercial films.</p>
<p>Prithviraj Sukumaran’s ‘L2: Empuraan’, sequel to the blockbuster ‘Lucifer’ (2019), has been Malayalam cinema’s most anticipated film of 2025, especially after actor Mohanlal’s films have all been either financial failures or forgettable in nature.</p>.<p>‘Empuraan’ looks like a patchwork of three to four films loosely stitched together. Moreover, the characters lack emotional depth that Murali Gopi, the writer, had created in ‘Lucifer’.</p>.<p>It is focused so much on style and the god-like aura of Khureshi Abr’am (Mohanlal), that it puts very little effort into developing relatable characters.</p>.<p>Mohanlal has little to do in the film as it is busy trying to introduce multiple underdeveloped storylines and characters. The film is also too slow for a commercial film; so much that it feels like an underworld drama, but with little substance.</p>.<p>However, on the bright side, the movie makes bold political statements. At at a time when filmmakers are scared of being even remotely political, ‘Empuraan’ shows no reluctance to discuss subjects like the Godhra riots, the growing influence of rightwing groups in Kerala’s politics, and the failing political strategies of both the ruling and the opposition parties of Kerala.</p>.<p>The film showcases two strong female characters — Priyadarshini Ramdas (Manju Warrier) as the protagonist and Andrea Tivadar as Michelle, a brave British soldier whose mission is to eliminate Khureshi’s international mercenary group.</p>.<p>The film’s cinematography is top-notch. Action sequences leave you satisfied without an overdose of CGI. The world-building is also smoothly done and is better than in most cinematic universes created by south Indian industries. However, Lokesh Kanakaraj’s universe still rules. </p>.<p>Overall, the movie is a one-time watch for people who like mass commercial films.</p>